OTTAWA
- Two Canadian soldiers were killed and a number of
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops
were injured today when ISAF forces operating in the
Panjwayi area were attacked by mortars, rocket propelled
grenades and small arms fire. The attack occurred at
approximately 4:50 p.m. Kandahar time, about 20 km west
of Kandahar City as ISAF forces worked to clear a route
of mines and improvised explosive devices for a future
road construction project. A number of ISAF soldiers,
including Canadians suffered injuries in the attack. All
of the injured Canadian soldiers have non-life
threatening injuries. They are being treated at the
Canadian-led multinational hospital at Kandahar
Airfield.

The Canadian soldiers
killed in today's attack in Afghanistan are Sergeant
Craig Paul Gillam and Corporal Robert Thomas James
Mitchell, both members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons,
based in Petawawa , Ontario .

The
ISAF forces were in Panjwayi district, Kandahar Province
, to help bring security and normalcy to the area after
Canadian, Afghan and international forces successfully
forced out Taliban insurgents from the area. The
insurgents had previously caused civilians to flee the
area due to threats, intimidation and violence.

Canadian troops are in
Afghanistan to help the Afghan people rebuild their
social and civil infrastructure. Taliban attacks will
not deter Canadian efforts to help Afghanistan achieve
peace and stability in a free and democratic society.

Statement

Statement by the Minister
of National Defence on the Deaths of Sergeant Craig Paul
Gillam and Corporal Robert Thomas James Mitchell

NR-06.072 - October 3, 2006

OTTAWA
- The Honourable Gordon O’Connor, Minister of National Defence,
issued the following statement today on the deaths of Sergeant
Craig Paul Gillam and Corporal Robert Thomas James Mitchell:

“Two Canadian soldiers,
Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam and Corporal Robert Thomas James
Mitchell, were killed today in the Panjwayi area in Afghanistan,
and I extend my deepest condolences, on behalf of all Canadians,
to their family and friends.

These brave young men were
working alongside their fellow comrades to clear mines and
improvised explosive devices from a route for a future road
construction project, when they came under attack. Five
other Canadian soldiers were hurt in the attack, and we
pray for their speedy recovery from their injuries.

Our Canadian Forces members
in Afghanistan face an enemy that will go to any length
to try to undermine any progress made for Afghans to have
a brighter future. The courage demonstrated by Sergeant
Gillam and Corporal Mitchell speaks volumes to their dedication
to our country and to this mission. Canada will remain steadfast,
and Taliban attacks will not deter our efforts to help Afghanistan
achieve peace and stability.

These soldiers lost their
lives in a mission to prevent Afghanistan from reverting
to a safe haven for terrorists and their destructive networks.
Canada will remain forever grateful for their service, and
we are all saddened by this loss.”

Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam
and Corporal Robert Thomas James Mitchell were both members
of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ontario.